Residence Style

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• 7 Ways to Add Value to Your London Home
• Should You Renovate Your Home In Winter?
• Discover the Essentials for Your New Home
• Interior Clutter vs. Clean Bedroom – What to Consider Before Buying New Furniture
• How IoT Is Disrupting the HVACR Industry
• Three Interesting Tips For Making Your Living Room Seem Bigger
• Appliance Repairs: What Homebuyers and Homeowners Need to Know
• Wildlife Damage Insulation in The Attic; Here is What to Do
• What Every Kitchen Should Have?
• How to Properly Paint Your Home’s Exterior

7 Ways to Add Value to Your London Home Posted: 23 Nov 2021 03:18 AM PST London is one of the most coveted locations to live in the UK, meaning it's an ideal place to make a profit from your property. Read on for seven ways to make your property stand out from the crowd… Are you wanting to add value to your home to live in it? Or are you hoping to sell the property for a lot more money than you initially bought it for? No matter your intentions, there are several ways to add value to your home. If you're looking to sell, working alongside a London conveyancing solicitor should be the top of your priorities. That being said, there is plenty of work that can be done before arranging an initial appointment. In this article, we'll discuss some key decorating and renovation ideas to ensure you'll make a profit from your property. 7 Ways to Add Value to Your London Home Add Kerbside Appeal The first thing you should do to make your property stand out from the rest of the competition is to give it some roadside appeal. By this, we mean you need to be taking some pride in the outside appearance of your home.  Refreshing the front of your house is one the easiest ways to attract attention and add value to your property. It's honestly as easy as giving the outside a new lick of paint, replacing the front door, and making sure all of your windows are in good condition. Add some cliché hanging baskets and foliage to the front of your house, and you're on to a winner.  Extend Your Kitchen One of the current things potential buyers are looking for in a new home is a spacious kitchen area. After all, who doesn't love a large island worktop to eat your breakfast from? They're one of the most sought after features of a modern home, thanks to their light, spaciousness, and versatile design.  Where possible, try to extend your kitchen to give yourself as much space as possible. If you're finding it difficult, consider knocking down a wall to create an open plan living/kitchen area. Combing your living and kitchen area not only makes the space look bigger, but it makes the room more inviting to hang out in – particularly when you host a party! Convert a Bedroom into an Office According to Sky News, the number of people working from home in the UK is more than double because of the pandemic, with many desiring their own home office space.  If you've got the room, why not turn one of your extra bedrooms into an office to make your home more versatile, and working from home more inviting. Alternatively, if you're stuck for space, some homeowners have even been converting their wardrobes and cupboards under the stairs into a compact office space.  Try to Create Some Outdoor Space Finding a house or flat with a garden in central London is like finding a needle in a haystack. So, if you're lucky enough to have the outdoor space, make sure you take advantage! The value of your property is bound to increase if you have an area to relax outdoors, or a balcony to chill out on in the evenings. If you have a patio, but not a garden, why not get creative with your outdoor space and invest in an assortment of plants and brightly coloured garden furniture. The more appealing your outdoor space looks, the more likely it is that the value of your house will increase. Re-Lay Your Carpets and Floors There is nothing worse than when you walk into a house and the flooring is filthy. Unfortunately, dirty carpets will only decrease the value of your home and leave potential buyers wanting to look elsewhere. With that in mind, consider relaying all your carpets to get rid of any unwanted stains and spillages. Invest in Solar Panels Though this is probably one of the most expensive suggestions on the list, it's something that could see you save a great deal of money in the long run – if you decide to stay living in the house. Climate change and the environment are top of the news agendas at the moment, meaning that installing solar panels onto your roof could be a great unique selling point. What's more, laws around sustainable living are bound to tighten after the COP26 summit, so why not get ahead of the game and be the first resident on your street to make a change? Upgrade Your Heating System With winter fast approaching, it could also be a good idea to upgrade your central heating system. Buyers nowadays are keen to have modern and up-to-date utilities, including their boiler and radiators.  As mentioned in the paragraph, sustainability is at the forefront of many buyers' minds, so it's worthwhile investing in a quality central heating system. In addition to this – if you're anticipating a bigger renovation project – consider reinsulating the house, rebuilding thicker walls, and replacing all the windows with double-glazing ones. Have These Suggestions Inspired You to Add Value to Your London Home? In this post, we've discussed some ways to make the most of your property. Though we've come at it from a predominately renovate-to-sell point of view, there's no reason that you can't invest time and money into your home to live out the rest of your time there. After all, if the pandemic has taught us one thing over these past few years, it's that it's important to love the space you're spending so much time in. Good luck with your renovations! Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained property professional. Be sure to consult a property or financial professional if you're seeking advice about adding value to your home. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site. The post 7 Ways to Add Value to Your London Home appeared first on Residence Style.

Should You Renovate Your Home In Winter? Posted: 23 Nov 2021 02:51 AM PST When you are thinking of home renovations then you will need to determine the best season of the year when it is beneficial to go ahead with the project. Whether you choose summer, winter, spring or autumn, you need to decide the best way of renovating your home so that it feels safe, inviting and comfortable. In many ways, winter is probably the best option for you. Here's why: Four Reasons to Renovate in Winter Make Use of DIY Projects When you want to renovate your home on your own, then you will need to make use of DIY projects as it will help you save a lot of money without the need for hiring professionals. Save More Money Moreover, renovating your home in winter will also help you save a lot of money with the project because on might have to spend more money on hiring professionals in winter than in summer. Everything will be done within your budget so that you will not have to overspend on your budget when it comes to renovating your home in winter so that you will be able to enjoy yourself during the summers after your home has been renovated. Off-Season Discounts There are many reasons why you should renovate your home during the winters and the most important reason is the off-season discounts that you go ahead with home renovations (https://ultimaterenovations.com/) in the winter season. The reason for this is because the majority of the homeowners prefer the summer season and hence the professionals are free during the winters. This is the perfect time when you can hire professional contractors as they will charge a fraction of the amount for the renovation project since they are free during the summer months. Additionally, winter is the perfect time for renovating your home because you will get the timing advantages where everyone will vacate the home which will make it easier for professionals to go ahead with the renovation of the home. Save on Inventory Moreover, winter is the time of the year when you will have to spend less amount of money on the inventory that is needed for completing the renovation project within your budget. You will also get entitled to end-of-season sales on the old products that you can purchase during the winters so that you can go ahead with the best renovation of your home according to your tastes and preferences. Even when you are thinking of replacing the appliances, cabinets, countertops or any other feature of the kitchen, you should go ahead with the renovation in winters because it is the time when you can purchase anything at a discounted price. Ideal for Interior Renovations When renovating your home in winter, you should focus on the interiors of your home because there are no issues that you will face during the project like weather complications or any kind of uncertainties. Moreover, if you are going ahead with DIY projects, there is no need to worry about sweltering heat when you can complete the project in winter as it is the best time to do anything easily without getting tired or overwhelmed. Even the contractors will prefer indoor jobs during the winter and they will also charge less money when they are renovating your home so that you will save a considerable amount of money. Faster Permit Approvals In winter, you will also get faster permit approvals as the government agencies have to deal with less amount of paperwork which means that your renovation project will be completed in winter so that you don’t have to face any kind of hassles. Enjoy the Summer Months! With the renovation work completed in winter, you will be able to enjoy the summer month to the fullest with your family so that you will get the intended benefits of the renovation project. You will be able to relax completely when the renovation is completed at the right time so that you will enjoy peaceful summer and spring with your loved ones without any hassles. The post Should You Renovate Your Home In Winter? appeared first on Residence Style.

Discover the Essentials for Your New Home Posted: 23 Nov 2021 02:26 AM PST So, you've used homelister or another service to buy your new home. Moving day is almost here, and it's time to start thinking about what you need to fill the place out. There are any number of essential home supplies, enough to fill an entire book. But there are a few things that stand out above all others. Here, in no particular order, are some of the most important things you need to provide for your new house. Essential Kitchen Equipment Perhaps no room is as important to your home as the kitchen. In fact, for most of history, most people's home was just a big kitchen that also functioned as a bedroom. But the hearth, or the stove, served as the center of the house. This only makes sense, We spend much of our time in the outside world, working, socializing, or having fun. But the kitchen is where friends and family come together to share a meal, and enjoy each-others' company. But for a kitchen to function properly, you need to have the right tools. This starts at the stove, where you want the best quality cookware. Look for durable materials such as cast iron and stainless steel. For example, take a look at the high-quality, ethically-sourced pots and pans from Our Place. Avoid cheap aluminum pans, since the aluminum can react with acidic foods and release itself into the food. In addition to cookware, you'll also want to have all the appliances you need. Presumably, your kitchen will already come equipped with a stove and oven. But a good microwave is essential to cook many modern recipes. You'll need a toaster, blender, coffee maker, and a variety of other smaller devices. Thankfully, all these things are relatively affordable, and available from many retailers. Living Room Furniture Outside of the kitchen, the next room you'll spend the most time in is probably your living room. And within that living room, you'll spend a good bit of time on your sofa. Since you're already moving anyway, now is a good time to think about whether your existing sofa is all you desire. Is it firm and supportive? Or has it sagged from years of overuse? If it has, you'll probably want to change it. When you're looking for a new couch, make sure to consider both size and comfort. A big overstuffed beast might sound great, but if it's too big for the room, you'll need to go with a different option. This doesn't have to be expensive, either. There are many discount sites like Wayfair that provide great deals on furniture and appliances. Once you've got your sofa sorted out, the next thing to think about is what types of tables you're going to need. This can vary from house to house, depending on the layout of the room and where your sofa is located. Coffee tables come in many types and varieties. Some are simple and low-lying, while others are larger and beefier, with extra storage space underneath for remotes and other supplies. End tables, meanwhile, tend to be a bit taller, so they can be reached over the arm of the couch. They're a great place to keep lamps and other home accessories. Finally, no living room would be complete without somewhere to put your TV. A simple wall mount or media stand is a clean, contemporary way to get the job done. That said, a bigger entertainment center offers its own retro charm. It's also good for other entertainment supplies, like your collection of vinyl records. Soothing Bath Supplies With all the stress of moving in, you owe it to yourself to get some stress relief. If that's what you need, there's nothing better than a bath or even a shower. But why not treat yourself to some gentler, smoother cleaning products? Calendula shampoo is an excellent choice. It's actually a body wash as well, and it's designed for sensitive skin. It gives off a calming fragrance, which helps you relax and de-stress. If you're looking for the ideal night time cleanser, it's a worthwhile choice. But taking a bath is a complete experience, and you can't reduce it just to the type of soap you're using. You also need to set the right ambience, and some candles can go a long way towards setting the mood. If that sounds appealing, why not go one step further and choose a personalized candle? Have one imprinted with an inspiring phrase, or just with words that make you happy. It's a great touch for your brand new bathroom. Patio Essentials A house isn't just about what's on the inside. If you want to get the most out of your new home, you also want the outside to be a pleasant environment to be in. Let's start with the basics. Sooner or later, you're going to want to eat outside. When that happens, you might have guests. So get yourself a nice big patio set with more chairs than you need. It's great if these chairs have cushions, but keep the cushions inside when they're not in use. Otherwise, they'll just be all wet when you go to sit down on them. We're not even going to wade into the gas vs. electric grill debate. Enough ink has been spilled over that question to fill many Olympic-sized pools. But regardless of which type you get, look for one with a built-in table. Otherwise, you can find yourself constantly juggling platters of food. In the daytime, you'll want a big umbrella, to keep the worst of the sun at bay. And when night comes around, it's liable to get buggy. In that case, a quality bug zapper can go a long way towards improving your experience. Calm Your Cat Moving can be a stressful time for your animals. So can unpacking, which is also a terrible time for them to be running around underfoot. If your cat is getting anxious, consider giving them some CBD for cats. It's all-natural, it's non-toxic, and it calms their anxiety without knocking them out or making them feel drugged. You can even add it to their regular food, and they'll eat it right up!  Safety First! When you're outfitting your new home, don't forget about the most important thing: the safety of yourself and your family. Of course, it's impossible to be prepared for all circumstances, but there are a few basic supplies that every home should have. First off, make sure you have a smoke detector on every floor, in every bedroom, and in the kitchen. This will alert you to danger, especially if you're asleep and vulnerable. Along the same lines, you should keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, garage, laundry room, and other high-risk areas. Some fire extinguishers are made for specific types of fires, but an ABC Class multi-purpose canister will put out pretty much any fire. It's also a good idea to choose a rechargeable extinguisher, in case you ever need to use it. One other major safety concern is carbon monoxide. This odorless, tasteless gas causes exhaustion, unconsciousness, and eventually death. Thankfully, carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and easily available. Make sure to keep one on each floor, and in every bedroom. The post Discover the Essentials for Your New Home appeared first on Residence Style.

Interior Clutter vs. Clean Bedroom – What to Consider Before Buying New Furniture Posted: 23 Nov 2021 02:25 AM PST There's a reason why people often go to the store and end up buying that one piece of furniture that suits their space in a way that no other pieces would've ever done. Furniture is a basic need in any home, but how do you decide when it goes from basic to exquisite? There are many things to consider when deciding to buy bedroom furniture for your home, from colours and shapes to how spacious your room is. What to Consider When Buying New Furniture There are many things to think about when shopping for luxury affordable furniture, however, there is one thing that often gets overlooked- the condition of your existing setup. You might be racking your brain trying to figure out the best style and color of furniture to buy for your living room, but before you take any action, remember that the old arrangement may not be perfect. If you find that your current furniture isn’t doing it justice, don’t ignore this red flag; get some housekeeping done before making a purchase. Must-See Master Bedroom Ideas When thinking about redecorating your bedroom, many people abandon their clutter in order to find new furniture they like in this exciting room. However, it’s worth noting that the introduction of too much new furniture is just as bad for the bedroom space as removal or clutter. Too much new furniture can be overwhelming and induce feelings of depression in the home due to the lack of creativity and room for personal expression. Factors to Consider When Deciding on a Master Bedroom Before deciding on master bedroom furniture, people should consider what they are looking to accomplish. This would include factors including practical efficiency, size of the bedroom, pieces that complement each other well, cost of the furniture, aesthetics and storage options. Some considerations could be if it will go with any large pieces of furniture or if it is compatible with other styles. Tips for Selecting the Perfect Pieces of Furniture for Your Bedroom Traditionally, people have been conditioned to paint the walls white and the bed with a crisp white sheet. The idea stems from a 1950s ad campaign that advocated a fresh “new beginning,” letting us paint our walls a respectable shade of green or a characteristically hot yellow. The post Interior Clutter vs. Clean Bedroom – What to Consider Before Buying New Furniture appeared first on Residence Style.

How IoT Is Disrupting the HVACR Industry Posted: 23 Nov 2021 02:02 AM PST Ever since its inception, the internet of things has been a buzzword across industries, and the HVACR domain is no exception. The speed at which this domain has adopted IoT's transformative business applications is mind-blowing.  Connected HVACR solutions that deploy smart sensors, advanced analytics, and commodity storage options provided by the cloud are improving equipment operating efficiency and offering businesses a serious competitive advantage.  Moreover, global warming and other environmental factors are less predictable, putting serious pressure on HVAC-R systems. This scenario demands the industry to become more flexible and responsive. IoT can help here!  In this post, we will share interesting insights on how this technology is disrupting the HVACR realm.  Automation Systems Are Maximizing System Performance According to an in-depth analysis conducted by the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA), owners of large commercial buildings are leveraging IoT to maximize system performance.  For instance, by building automation systems that use control functions, buildings can improve system performance. These systems rely on mobile Internet data services and equipment that allows millions of data points to be stored and reviewed.  Further, they also apply the wireless thermostat technology that is interconnected. This allows building managers and owners to link to a wide array of building controls across a property or a wide property portfolio. Such smart technology is being embedded deep into building automation equipment like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.  Predictive Analytics and Remote Diagnostics Have Improved HVACR Efficiency  The efficiency of HVACR can be tremendously improved with the real-time data and insights offered by IoT-driven advanced analytics. It allows firms to better anticipate the risks and opportunities, thus improving performance.  Say, you have a central plant where you aim to control for both energy and cost efficiency. IoT allows you to apply predictive controls and reinforcement learning to optimize the HVACR system.  You can also determine the ongoing optimal performance in a dynamic environment like a building with changing weather and utility rates or certain facility constraints.  Monitoring and assessing equipment performance remotely saves a lot of time and money for customers because problems can be spotted and resolved quickly. That way remote diagnostics ensure unprecedented reliability and connectivity, making equipment repair faster and more efficient.  Besides offering pre-emptive solutions, IoT allows you to identify an issue in equipment that has stopped working. It can spot the issue, send an alert, and diagnose the problem. For large property owners, this means early diagnosis of equipment issues before service technicians need to be summoned. Predictive maintenance through innovative IoT systems will prevent equipment failure and associated downtime for buildings and their occupants Check out how Microsoft that had over 2 million data points at its main campus at Redmund (125 office buildings) leveraged predictive maintenance. Overall, Microsoft realized energy savings of about 10% per year and was able to detect 48% faults within a minute.  You can read more about this case study here.  IoT Offers Robust Monitoring Capabilities in Commercial Refrigeration  The commercial refrigeration industry is undergoing a massive transformation. IoT is being integrated into their equipment,  commercial refrigeration units, to offer robust monitoring capabilities. This promises greater controls in the hands of the operator.  For instance, the newly-launched HVACR systems are deploying integrated IoT sensors and timers to automate temperature monitoring and control of homes and commercial spaces. These devices can also control and monitor humidity and power usage.  This has resulted in significant cost savings for the end-user.  Check out this case study where IoT solutions are enabling HVAC manufacturers and property managers to leverage the full power of their data and efficiently monitor and control their systems, IoT Delivers Solutions That Need Zero Human Intervention HVACR equipment often needs to be in constant operation. In such cases, controlling the process manually is not only tedious but also subject to human error.  IoT delivers smart changes with no need for human intervention. Devices like sensors can control everything from the temperature to the internal climate of a building. This means changes can be automated and implemented with ease while maintaining the efficiency of the system.  IoT Upholds Personalization HVACR systems supported by IoT can be personalized. Data collected from several sites can be leveraged to deliver personalization and efficiency.  For instance, if a commercial park has four buildings, IoT-enabled distributed control system can be applied to offer personalized environments based on the occupants' comfort and preferences. The system allows you to see this information at an aggregated level.  Similarly, you can track which areas, structures, or facilities are using the most energy, allowing you to implement energy-conserving tactics. So, if an open area in a commercial building is using a lot of energy, intelligent low bay lighting with motion-sensing capabilities can be installed to optimize energy consumption.  Finally, by applying IoT technology, property owners and managers will be able to better control building operations and respond to tenant requests from apps on their smart devices. Thus, critical issues with regards to standards, APIs, cybersecurity, and the cloud will be addressed while yielding meaningful insights on how to best manage such situations.  What Should HVACR Contractors Do Now to Capitalize on IoT?  Follow trends and use cases shared above. Attend technical conferences that share information on market-specific IoT applications. Join industry associations. These groups often target the implications of IoT and other technologies.  Encourage original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training on the latest IoT-enabled products. Consider what role you will play in getting architects, maintenance staff, technologists, and product manufacturers on one platform when optimizing IoT applications. You need to understand how you can better collaborate with these value chain partners.  Summing Up The HVACR domain has adopted IoT with surprising speed. Almost every business operating in this segment has invested in cloud applications, mobile apps, connected devices, and more.  These innovative solutions offer contractors value that can lead to gaining a competitive edge. Hence, in the coming years, you'll only see IoT applications booming in the HVACR space.  Author Bio Karen Lopez is a freelance content writer at marketing digest. With her keen interest in home decor and remodeling, she loves contributing insightful articles about the latest renovation trends in residential and commercial spaces. In her free time, she enjoys listening to Jazz music and watching Netflix. The post How IoT Is Disrupting the HVACR Industry appeared first on Residence Style.

Three Interesting Tips For Making Your Living Room Seem Bigger Posted: 23 Nov 2021 01:15 AM PST Have you ever sat and looked around your house thinking that you wish you had made more of what was available to you? It might seem difficult to begin with, but by taking the time to plan, you might be able to get more out of your home to make it more comfortable and welcoming.  Find something to focus on If you have a smaller living room, take a look at the layout of the room itself. With a clever arrangement of furniture, you can make the room seem bigger without too much effort. You could determine what the main focal point of your room should be, with the primary plan being to arrange the furniture around it all accordingly. This focal point could be a fireplace or even just the family television set, but everything else tends to follow suit by having a focal point so you know what you are working with. However, if your focal point is a window, try to position your furniture so that you make the most of the view.  Create the illusion of space Here's an idea. Why not try to use lighter colors to provide the illusion of space? It might not solve the problem, especially in a physically smaller room, but painting the walls brighter than the reflections can help to make the room seem bigger. Couple this with clever manipulation of whatever natural light you can get into the space, and you can make it seem as if it is at least twice the size. Add mirrors in too, and you can bounce more light around the room to help reinforce that notion of an illusion of space.  Try to create a relaxing environment Once you have managed to make the most of whatever space you have, your living room should hopefully represent a safe environment where you can unwind and relax. This could be by watching some of your favorite shows on tv or even using whatever more comfortable surroundings you have created to relax. Creating these positive associations of relaxation can make your living room more inviting in the future. By searching for jackpot city online, you could always give the world of online casinos a look, and who knows, your more comfortable surrounding could make this your new hobby and could help you to unwind further.  Less is more Now here's an idea that might just be too simple, but one of the best ways to maximize your space could be to take a minimalist approach. Just try to arrange the furniture in such a way that you aren't losing out on space in midfield. The only factor is the number of people you need to create space for and how many people need a rest, and you could still work with the furniture to make less seem like more. If it is only for you, then only put in one seat as you could always add more if needs be.  The post Three Interesting Tips For Making Your Living Room Seem Bigger appeared first on Residence Style.

Appliance Repairs: What Homebuyers and Homeowners Need to Know Posted: 23 Nov 2021 01:00 AM PST For most people, buying a home is probably the biggest investment they will ever make especially in the face of rising real estate prices. Most times, homebuyers and homeowners are more concerned about affordable mortgage payments but just as important is the condition of the appliances in the home. Appliances are important in the home and you probably will have a very stressful day without them. Appliance repairs also cost money and can over time accumulate into the biggest expense item after mortgage. To prevent this from happening there are a number of things you need to know as a homebuyer or homeowner. This important knowledge will help you in making better purchasing decisions. Is the Seller Offering Home Warranty? One of the basic things to know about appliance repairs as a homebuyer or homeowner is whether home warranty is offered by the seller. A home warranty provides the homeowner with replacement services or discounted repairs, however it is not a legal obligation on the part of the seller. A home warranty will save you the cost of repairs and as such reduce your first year house budget thus leaving you with a financial cushion or funds for other expenses. Confirm if the seller is offering a warranty or any other arrangement. It is necessary to do an in- depth inspection before purchase Unless you are very familiar with the workings of appliances and other household systems, carrying out an in- depth inspection by yourself is near impossible. Kitchen and laundry appliances, air conditioning systems and furnaces may be working perfectly on the day of purchase but that does not mean they are in good condition. To ascertain the real condition of appliances it is cheaper in the long run to hire a professional inspector. A professional home inspector knows what to look for in terms of the structural and functional soundness of appliances. Hiring one will save you the expense of being stuck with costly repairs or replacements of appliances, especially the heavier and costlier ones. As part of the inspection, you must also insist on getting information about the appliances from the seller. You must access information about the repair history, maintenance logs and age of each appliance. This gives you a rough idea about possible wear and tear and what appliance repair costs may be in the nearest future. Adequate maintenance will save you a lot of money Even if the appliances in your home are covered by a home warranty, adequate maintenance will still ensure that they last longer. Most people lack a maintenance schedule for their appliances and do not generally care about them until they break down. Always read the manual for each appliance and take note of the instructions about the conditions that allow for their optimum performance. For example, separate disposal of jewelries, hard objects and silverware will reduce the chances of your garbage disposer. Also, the chances of your microwave oven breaking down is reduced if you ensure that metal items and silverware are not left in it after it had been turned on. Contracting a highly rated appliance repair service is economical Sometimes, it will be necessary to repair your appliances even if you have done your best in terms of maintenance. Appliances are made of materials subjected to wear and tear with use over time. If you bought a house without a home warranty, you will have to contract the services of an appliance repair firm. Reputable appliance repair companies may be pricey initially but you get to save a lot of money in the long run because companies like this are more reliable and competent in handling appliances. Appliance repair services often offer a one year warranty on labor and replacement parts. With this, you are rest assured that the repair is top- notch and you will not be having another repair expense in the nearest future. Before contracting an appliance repair service, look for recommendations and reviews online. You should also ensure that the repair service company is insured and have repairmen that are properly trained and have a wide range of experiences. Keep good and up-to-date appliance maintenance records Having proper and updated maintenance records for each appliance will also save you money and is important especially for the homeowner. Keeping records will help you in making estimates of use and when it is likely to service or repair appliances. This also helps in preventing unexpected breakdowns of appliances especially when you need them most. The post Appliance Repairs: What Homebuyers and Homeowners Need to Know appeared first on Residence Style.

Wildlife Damage Insulation in The Attic; Here is What to Do Posted: 23 Nov 2021 12:53 AM PST From raccoons to bats, several wild critters will reside in the attic if given a chance. Why? Asides from the warmth the attic provides, it also provides safety from predators and proximity to food. However, these uninvited guests wreak innumerable damages once they pick up residence. Depending on the species, they will rip off the insulation, tear wires, and bring in rubbish to build their nest. What's more, they will pollute the insulation with their droppings, reducing its heating efficiency and filling your home with a foul odor.  Pest control companies like A&D Construction Plus specializes in complete attic restoration, you can reach out to them for free consultation if you are having wildlife problems. In this post, we focus our attention on what you can do about wildlife-related insulation damages. First Things First Before you think about repairs, it's crucial you first resolve wildlife infestation problems. Without that, anything you do will only be a temporary fix as the animal will cause new damages.  That's what you need to do: 1. Inspect your attic Perform a full inspection to determine the extent of your infestation problem. This stage will also help you decide which animal you're dealing with and how it's getting in.  2. Get rid of the animal Depending on the nuisance species you're dealing with, there are several methods for getting rid of pesky critters. Exclusion is the most preferred option because it is humane. However, the use of non-lethal or even lethal traps may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Because of the complexities involved, working with a professional wildlife removal company may be your best bet.  3. Seal all entry holes Finally, you must ensure there are no ways for other wild critters to gain access to your attic. During the inspection stage, you should have identified all potential entry holes. This is the time to seal them up. Use caulk or hardware wire to seal these holes, depending on what's appropriate. You may need to replace damaged or missing roof tiles and repair vulnerable spots.  What To Do About The Insulation? Wild critters in the attic cause considerable damage to the insulation by ripping it off and littering it with their droppings. Here's what you need to do to restore your insulation.  1. Wear hand gloves and protective clothing Before going into the attic for repairs, you must ensure you are well protected. Wild animals leave behind lots of pathogens. Wearing gloves and protective clothing will help you avoid direct contact with animal wastes.  2. Dispose of droppings and remnants Wild animals leave behind lots of waste. You need to get these wastes out. Put on your gloves and pick up the droppings into a plastic bag. Pick up the ripped-off insulation, wires, papers, and other materials, and put them in the bag. You may need a shovel to scrape off strongly-adhered wastes.  3. Clean, disinfect, and deodorize You will need to clean the infected area with an enzyme-based cleaner. This will help break down bacteria. You should also apply a deodorizer to eliminate the awful smell from the animal remnants.  You May Need to Replace Your Insulation If a wild critter stays in the attic for too long, it may cause irrevocable damage to the insulation. For instance, a colony of bats living in the attic for years may have deposited large amounts of waste (guano) that have permanently soiled the insulation. In such cases, you must replace your insulation if you desire to retain its heating efficiency.  Replacing the insulation should not be done by a non-professional because it is challenging and completely a technical work. That's why you might consider bringing in professionals at first. The post Wildlife Damage Insulation in The Attic; Here is What to Do appeared first on Residence Style.

What Every Kitchen Should Have? Posted: 22 Nov 2021 09:07 PM PST Some kitchen items are considered essentials. For a fully functional kitchen, there is a list of must-own equipment and cookware that are commonly found everywhere, from homes to professional restaurants. Building a stock of modern and efficient kitchen tools is a time-consuming process. However, experimenting with different cuisines and working with specialized kitchen equipment will help you evolve as a cook. Whether you are planning a new kitchen or need to replace worn-out items, stocking your kitchen with the correct essentials is the first step to cooking a delicious meal. Be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and test different meals accessible with chic and high-quality tools. Moreover, investments in the kitchen will make cooking more pleasant and relaxed. Something that every home cook eyes for. Here is our list of kitchen must-haves:   Knives and Sharpener No tool is as essential as a good chef's knife in the kitchen. What is the best chef's knife? Well, the answer will change from one person to the other. Some might recommend the exclusively handmade Japanese-style or industrial European knives. Either way, choose a knife you are comfortable handling and helps you feel in control while cutting or chopping. Moreover, it is unnecessary to have an ensemble of knives when you will rarely use any. We recommend three basic knives to start with: a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. You would also need the tools to maintain a knife's sharpness. Consider investing in a manual sharpener which will help you save money and the hassle of hiring a sharpening service. Food Processor This one is a no-brainer. Think of food processing equipment as a one-stop-shop for everything which needs to be chopped, blended, sliced, whisked, ground, and pureed. It is a handy appliance when you need to outsource any knife-related task. Time is of the essence, especially when a mob of hungry guests is waiting impatiently for dinner. A food processor will save significant time for preparation and provide the ease of completing any of the above-mentioned tasks without breaking a sweat. Unlike a traditional blender, food processors consist of wider bowls with blades placed at different levels and angles. It can accommodate larger batches of food ingredients and does not require liquid-heavy consistency to support dry food blending. Trash Can There will be some raised eyebrows now. However, we think trash cans are the underrated heroes. Many homeowners think of the trash can as an afterthought, but professionals know the importance of a strategic trash disposal system. Tactically utilizing a bin will enhance the cook's efficiency and convenience. Place trash bin at an accessible distance from the cutting area and opt for ones that close tightly to minimize bad smells. Lastly, be mindful of the size of the bin. You need a trash can that does not occupy a lot of working space in the kitchen but can also hold enough garbage for a few days. The post What Every Kitchen Should Have? appeared first on Residence Style.

How to Properly Paint Your Home’s Exterior Posted: 22 Nov 2021 09:02 PM PST It is a common homeowner's urge to bring the paint kit out and refresh the property's exterior. Repainting the outer walls is a great opportunity to redefine the property and add a bit of personality. Additionally, freshly painted houses are deemed more desirable in the real estate market. However, repainting for personal satisfaction is a solid excuse to start the project. Timely painting your house is considered part of home maintenance. Recoating prolongs the exterior wall's life by protecting it against accumulating weather damage. You can consult with a NACE Inspector to know if the paint job is due for your home or not. This step will guide you in understanding the potential challenges upfront and aid your decision about the painting work. If you feel comfortable painting on your own, use this helpful how-to guide to learn how to complete a DIY house painting task. Getting Started Most exterior walls demand thorough washing before painting. You can either do it manually or invest in pressure wash sprays. In any case, the objective is to clean off the walls from dust, soot settled, debris, or other obstacles like spiderwebs, fallen leaves, and wasp's nests. Downpipes, other drainage units, windows, and doors should be wrapped and masked off before the paintwork begins. Scrapping and Sanding Scraping and sanding are grueling tasks but very important. Remove peeling, bubbled, or blistered paint to attain a flatter surface to apply paint on. Note that before 1978, it was common for paint makers to use lead. Hence, proceed with caution and take extra care during the scraping and sanding phase as lead dust is toxic. However, the bare minimum protection through dust masks and down tarps should be in place. You can scrap paint by hand, which can be more exhausting, or you can prefer power grinders/sanders to save time. Repair Cracks Use ready-mix wall fixers to fill in any cracks or cervices so the surface remains flat. Fresh paint settles well on an even wall, hence ensuring the whole surface is properly leveled. Some even use mortar to fill in gaps when necessary, preferring premixed mortar instead of powder form. Either way, vacuum the remaining dust once the mix has dried. Primer or First Coat Applying a thin down coat of paint first helps maintain color on the wall. Professionals recommend a thinned-down masonry primer before painting subsequent layers. A primer or stabilizing solution helps preserve the paint on newly rendered surfaces, especially when it has a powdery exterior. Primer with good sealer qualities can lock everything in place and ensure a good surface for the new coat to adhere to. Spray and Roll "Spraying and Back-Rolling" might require two people but it is the most efficient manner of painting exterior walls. One worker would be operating a power sprayer to spread the paint evenly across the surface and the other would follow behind with a roller for a finer finish. This method utilizes the swiftness of the sprayer and the consistency of the roller. It is preferable to apply two coats after the previous coats dry. This helps the freshly applied color to stand bright and true. The post How to Properly Paint Your Home’s Exterior appeared first on Residence Style.

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